Types of Accommodations
AccessibleDU: Student Disability Services is committed to providing the accommodations necessary for any student to equitably participate in and benefit from all the DU community has to offer, regardless of disabilities. Be sure to request any needed accommodation as early as possible via the Accommodate Portal. It is also a good idea to inform instructors of your accommodation requirements upfront, even before they are granted by SDS, in order to kickstart the process and optimize implementation.
Below, we have highlighted many of the most commonly requested accommodations available, though this list is by no means exhaustive. Please consult the SDS Student Handbook for complete details.
Academic Accommodations
Testing Accommodations
Testing Accommodations are designed to provide students with disabilities an equal opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned when taking exams and quizzes. The Testing Center also supports testing-related accommodations.
Examples (non-exhaustive list)
- Additional Time to Complete Tests
- Distraction-Reduced Setting
- Text-to-Speech on Exams
- Dictation on Exams
Notetaking Accommodations
Some disabilities impact students' notetaking. Notetaking accommodations are designed to support students in taking and creating meaningful notes. Examples of note-taking accommodations include: the ability to use technology (e.g., computer) to take notes in class, access to Jamworks notetaking support software, and additional options that can be discussed with your Accommodation Specialist.
Alternate Format Text
Alternate Format Text is the conversion of printed materials (textbooks, articles provided by instructors, etc.) to accessible formats. Students with a wide variety of disabilities may use Alternate Format Text. Most students with Alternate Format accommodations use pdfs that can be read via text-to-speech software; however, this accommodation also covers braille and tactile graphic materials.
Adjusted Assignment Deadlines and Adjusted Attendance
Adjusted assignment deadlines and adjusted attendance accommodations support students who have disabilities that impact their attendance and/or ability to complete assignments by the assigned dates.
Communications Access
Communications access supports students who utilize interpreting, Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART), and captioning.
Foreign Language Substitution
Students may have a disability that creates a substantial barrier to becoming proficient in a second language. The Foreign Language Substitution accommodation is designed to enhance cultural competence crucial in our globalized world in lieu of a foreign language. Students in certain programs may have to complete additional coursework associated with the FOLA substitution.
Assistants and Attendants
Classroom Assistants
The University provides academic assistants for classroom and lab work to students whose documented disabilities demonstrate an appropriate need. Classroom assistants are not tutors and will not be available outside of the classroom or lab unless prior arrangements with SDS are made.
Personal Attendants
Students with disabilities requiring a personal attendant should notify SDS, who will then notify instructors. The University may require medical documentation of the need for an attendant. Personal attendants are not employees of the University but are employed by the student. The attendant must go through the SDS process to register as a Special Community Member at DU before they start providing direct personal support to the student.
Service Animals
A service animal refers to any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.
Housing Accommodations
Some students with disabilities may require reasonable housing accommodations. Student examples include: accessible bedroom and bathroom; first floor room; emotional support animal, single room, kitchen access, meal plan modification. To request housing accommodations, you will need to do the following EACH YEAR:
Student Action Items
- Apply for housing from HRE
- If SDS housing is needed, SIMULATANEOULY request housing through HRE and request your Housing accommodation through SDS.
SDS Student Responsibilities:
- Submit documentation to SDS’s Accommodate Portal
- Schedule a meeting with an Accommodation Specialist
Please pay attention to important deadlines from both housing and SDS! You must renew your housing accommodations annually.
Grievance and Appeals
Grievances and Accommodation Appeals
If you believe your request for accommodation(s) or applicable academic adjustments was unfairly denied by SDS, or if you disagree with the SDS's decision to approve alternate accommodations or academic adjustments different from those requested, or you are dissatisfied with the implementation of approved accommodations or academic adjustments, you are entitled to file a grievance or accommodation appeal. SDS strives to resolve all disputes both promptly and equitably.